revolve

[ri-volv]

verb (used without object)

revolved, revolving 

1. to move in a circular or curving course or orbit.

   The earth revolves around the sun.

   Synonyms: circle, orbit

2. to turn around or rotate, as on an axis.

   The wheel revolves slowly.

3. to proceed or occur in a round or cycle; come around again in the process of time; recur.

4. to be revolved in the mind.

5. to focus or center on.

verb (used with object)

revolved, revolving 

1. to cause to turn around, as on an axis.

2. to cause to move in a circular or curving course, as about a central point.

3. to think about; consider.

   Synonyms: study, ponder

revolve

/ rɪˈvɒlv /

verb

1. to move or cause to move around a centre or axis; rotate

2. (intr) to occur periodically or in cycles

3. to consider or be considered

4. (intr; foll by around or about) to be centred or focused (upon)

   Juliet's thoughts revolved around Romeo

noun

1. theatre a circular section of a stage that can be rotated by electric power to provide a scene change

Other Word Forms

• revolvable adjective
• revolvably adverb
• unrevolved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of revolve¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English revolven, from Latin revolvere “to roll back,” equivalent to re- re- + volvere “to roll, turn round”

Word History and Origins

Origin of revolve¹

C14: from Latin revolvere , from _re- + volvere to roll, wind

Synonym Study

See turn.

Example Sentences

The prosecution alleges that Hasina, 78, was "the nucleus around whom all the crimes committed during the July–August uprising revolved".

Read more on Barron's

The prosecution alleges that Hasina, 78, was "the nucleus around whom all the crimes committed during the July–August uprising revolved".

Read more on Barron's

"Everything revolved around the ferry. Now everything goes the opposite way. It's nicer without all the traffic but business-wise not so good."

Read more on BBC

The claims of links between talcum powder and cancer revolve around asbestos - a known cause of cancer.

Read more on BBC

Typically, the first segment to mature involves revolving debt but borrowers seek to refinance longer-dated credits alongside revolvers, Moody’s said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• rotate 
• whirl